Hi there, I'm Curtis! I'm a national award-winning school public relations leader with over 14 years of of experience using communication to inform and drive action in support of student and staff success.

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I currently serve as the public information officer for Shoreline Public Schools, just north of Seattle. Prior to that, I spent the first half of my career at Sunnyside School District in south-central Washington. There, I was able to support and share an incredible success story as we raised the graduation rate from 41 to 90 percent in seven years. That's not a typo, amazing things are happening in public schools! I was born and raised in Sunnyside, so I am particularly proud of that story! 

 

As a recognized national leader in school public relations, I have been successful in developing effective two-way communication programs that have engaged my school districts' stakeholders in meaningful and authentic ways. I am skilled at articulating complex information and data in ways that are easily understood, and using differentiated communication methods to effectively reach diverse audiences. I have advanced experience using a variety of communication methods to connect with our communities and build advocacy for our schools, including: community advisories, print publications, websites, social media, video, advertising, and automated calling/email systems.

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I have also had vast experience in responding to emergency and crisis situations. As the top spokesperson for the school districts I have served, I respond to numerous emergency events each year. These have ranged from weather emergencies and controversy, to acts of violence and student deaths. I am able to quickly process information from multiple angles and ensure all possible outcomes and interpretations are considered before making decisions or communicating with the public or media. In all situations—even the most emotionally charged—I exhibit a calm demeanor and am able to keep a clear head to objectively process fast and changing information.

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My work as a school communicator has been well recognized by my peers and colleagues. The district publications I produce have won over 40 awards from the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA), where I have also held leadership, including serving as the organization’s president. In 2018, I was recognized with WSPRA’s highest honor, the Learning and Liberty Award for the body of work and service I have contributed to the field of school public relations. I was also recognized by the Sunnyside School District as their Administrator of the Year in 2012 and in 2015 the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) presented me with the prestigious Front-Runner Award—one of only four that are awarded nationally each year. I also currently serve on the NSPRA Executive Board as Vice President for the Northwest Region, representing Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Western Canada.

 

As an active Rotarian, I am committed to demonstrating the Rotary motto of “service above self" in all I do. I serve and support a number of non-profit organizations, including the Children's Home Society of Washington and American Cancer Society. 

 

I'm an optimist at heart, which really helps with the fact that I'm also a die-hard Seattle Mariners fan. No, I don't constantly think about the 21 years that have passed since we last made the playoffs. Really. Let's not talk about it, okay? 😭

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